Arlene Foster claims SF is holding the north ‘to ransom’

DUP leader Arlene Foster has claimed the north is “being held to ransom” because Sinn Féin is putting preconditions on the party’s return to Stormont. The former first minister also said she was unaware of the plans referred to on Tuesday by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar for fresh talks in the autumn aimed at breaking the political deadlock Mrs Foster said the British government had not informed her of proposals for a new round negotiations and she accused the Fine Gael leader of interfering in Northern Ireland affairs. “Whilst we will participate in any efforts to restore the executive, Leo Varadkar’s comments appear to be an assumption of talks taking place rather than any specific proposals,” she said. “The Irish government will know that such strand one matters are for the UK government and the Northern Ireland parties – respect for the three stranded process is important if we are to continue making progress here.” The DUP leader said her party had no preconditions for re-establishing the executive but she said Sinn Féin has put red lines “above pay rises for public sector workers, the reform of our health service, roads and our economy”. She said republicans were more interested in a “destabilising and unsuccessful campaign” for a border poll than governing in the north. “Instead of attempting to work for any agreement locally, Sinn Fein chose to walk away and boycott the assembly, executive and House of Commons – forums that could give them some influence,” she said. Mrs Foster… [Read full story]